Patient-Friendly Explanation

GDF15 is a hormone the body releases when it is under stress, such as during illness or after an injury. It acts on the brain to reduce appetite, which is why people often lose their appetite when they are unwell. Researchers are now studying it as a possible weight-loss medicine.

Clinical Definition

GDF15 signals through the brainstem receptor GFRAL, expressed in the area postrema and nucleus of the tractus solitarius, to suppress food intake and drive nausea and food aversion independently of leptin signalling. Circulating levels rise in obesity, mitochondrial disease, cancer cachexia and with metformin therapy. Long-acting GDF15 analogues are in clinical development for obesity and related metabolic disease.

Why It Matters

GDF15 explains the appetite loss that accompanies illness and underlies a new class of obesity drug targets beyond incretin-based treatments, which is useful context when patients ask what options may follow their current medication.